Over the last few years, the wireless speaker market has taken an impressive growth. While portable models using Bluetooth technology still make up the majority of the segment, a lot of new devices based on streaming are also appearing on the market. In a segment initiated primarily by Sonos, we are now seeing more and more traditional speaker builders joining the movement. In this context, it is not surprising to see SVS launch a brand new connected system.

The American company initially made its mark with subwoofers that are considered by many to be the best in the industry. SVS has also introduced two impressive quality speaker lines, Prime and Ultra, to the market. These products make SVS a well-known brand for home theater installations.

The company is now embarking on a new audio adventure this time with SVS Prime Wireless, a pair of connected speakers that offer a host of connectivity and usability options.

• Speaker for high frequencies: 25 mm (1 “) aluminum
• Speaker for low frequencies: 115 mm (4.5 “) polypropylene and aluminum
• Frequencies (+/- 3 dB): 52Hz – 25kHz
• Built-in amplifier power: 4×50 watts (50 watts for bass and 50 watts for highs, per speaker)
• Inputs: Wi-Fi dual-band, Bluetooth with aptX, optical, auxiliary 3.5 mm and RJ45
• Active speaker dimensions: 260 mm (10.24 “) high X 155mm (6.10”) wide X 183.22mm (7.21 “) high
• Passive speaker dimensions: 260 mm (10.24 “) high X 155mm (6.10”) wide x 160.4mm (7 “) high
• Price: $ 599 USD / pair

A product that adapts to several situations

The Prime Wireless system consists of a pair of middle-sized bookshelf speakers. Their traditional format allows the loudspeakers to be used in several scenarios. On each side of a television, they will sublimely replace a sound bar, thus offering a superior sound space. By using them in the dining room, they will be able to easily support the evenings between friends with an impeccable musical environment.

Prime Wireless can also be used very effectively as computer speakers, providing high-quality near-field performance. I would even say that the system shines even more at a short distance than too far into a larger room.

It should also be noted that it is possible to get a single speaker, if you do not have the perfect space for a stereo pair.

Basic controls directly on the active speaker

For simplicity of use, SVS decided to add physical controls directly to the active speaker, the one that includes the amplifier and connectivity. In this way, it is easy to directly control the volume, pause playback or choose the input to use.

The system further allows for pre-configuration of preferred listening modes, such as a favorite playlist on a streaming system. Thanks to the physical controls, it is possible to start these configurations easily. This way you can start a music session without having to use the application, which can be very convenient.

A maximum of connection options according to your needs

Prime Wireless main speaker provides maximum connectivity for connecting multiple sources. You will find two analog stereo inputs (one RCA and one using a headphone-type connector) and an optical digital input.

There is also an output to connect a subwoofer, a USB port for service and buttons for quick configuration of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. If you prefer wired network connectivity, the speaker includes an RJ45 input port and an output to connect to another device such as your computer. This is a good idea which makes it possible to connect the Prime Wireless without having to add another network cable to your home.

The last connector is the one that will allow you to connect the second speaker, which is passive. The supplied cable is 10-feet long, which is unfortunately a bit short. In addition, as it is a proprietary connector, you will to go through SVS to get a longer version. It is possible to get a 15-foot cable for $20 and a 20-foot for $25. I would have preferred to see an approach based on a traditional cable, more easily accessible.

Listen to your favorite music services with DTS Play-Fi

SVS has decided to partner with DTS and leverage its Play-Fi system for the control of Prime Wireless. Instead of a dedicated application, owners need to install the Play-Fi application directly. This allows you to control your device remotely, adjust the volume and determine which streaming music source will be used.

The application is well designed and allows efficient control of Prime Wireless. Traditional music services such as Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM, Amazon Prime Music, iHeartRadio and Tidal can be used effectively. The speakers are also compatible with Spotify Connect, which allows to broadcast on them directly from the Spotify application.

The system is also compatible with Alexa to allow you to use voice control.

More than convincing sound

From a sound point of view, the Prime Wireless offers an impressive performance, worthy of the SVS Prime Series. With 50 watts of amplification for the high frequencies of each speaker and the same power for low frequencies, this results in a powerful sound presence at any level. The Prime Wireless speakers offers clear high frequencies and superb musicality.

On the low frequency side, the speakers offer a surprising reproduction with support of up to 52 Hz at -3 decibels. My tests, both with music and with movies, have presented a good bass presence without really feeling any obvious limit. If you want to have more tactile bass between 20 Hz and 50 Hz, you will have to add a subwoofer like the SVS PB-1000, which will make it possible to have a very high quality 2.1 system.

It has also been possible for me to do an A/B test with the recent KEF LSX and the Prime Wireless have performed extremely well in comparison. With some songs, it was almost impossible in a blind test to tell the difference between the two pairs of speakers. Considering that the retail value of the SVS product is just over half that of KEF, it is a strong proof of the high value/cost ratio of the product.

Enjoy the benefits of stereophony without complicating your life

With full connectivity, impressive sound quality, and easy-to-use application, Prime Wireless speakers allow you to have a high quality stereo system for music and to enhance the sound quality of your TV experience. With a price quite justified for a stereophonic amplified system, I recommend the Prime Wireless without any hesitation.

I LOVED

• Solid sound quality for a pair of amplified speakers
• Great connectivity to maximize use
• A high quality-price ratio

I DID NOT LIKE

• The proprietary cable is a bit short to connect the two speakers
• The active speaker physical display could have been more visible
• No matte color option for exterior finish